Photo: Adrià Goula
Forestone Cabin is a prototypical shelter designed and built by the 2025 class of the Master in Ecological Architecture and Advanced Construction program at the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC). Located in the Pyrenees, the cabin resembles a boulder but is built from timber sustainably sourced from nearby forests.
Like previous IAAC projects (see list below), Forestone Cabin was fabricated in part at IAAC's Valldaura Labs, which explores self-sufficiency in design and construction while meeting essential human needs. The cabin, located near a hostel at MónNatura Sort, in the Pyrenees, provides temporary accommodation for two people, with a platform for sleeping, a workspace, and a bathroom. The recently completed project is part of the Bio for Piri initiative, led by Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera to promote regenerative forestry and sustainable timber construction using local resources from the Alinyà forests. Photographs and drawings illustrating the project are below, accompanied by captions giving more information on its design and construction. A video showing the making of the timber cabin is at bottom.
Other IAAC projects featured on World-Architects:
- FLORA, a research station for observing forest biodiversity
- TOVA, a 3D-printed, zero-waste housing prototype
- The Voxel, a self-sufficient cabin made from on-site timber
The rocky terrain inspired the cabin's form: “a block of stone that appears to have rolled down the mountain and come to rest naturally on the site,” per IAAC. (Photo: Adrià Goula)
The faceted geometry responds to programmatic needs as well as climatic considerations and solar exposure. (Drawing: IAAC Students of Master in Ecological Architecture and Advanced Construction)
The pine boards covering the exterior were charred following the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique, to protect the wood from insects, water, fire, and mold. (Photo: Adrià Goula)
Much of the character of the exterior is derived from the natural edges of the charred pine boards. (Photo: Adrià Goula)
The interior's custom-made CLT elements—bed, built-ins, washbasin counter, seating—were designed and fabricated by the students at Valldaura Labs. (Photo: Adrià Goula)
The form of the cabin aligns with the program, such as with the low ceiling at the sleeping area. (Photo: Adrià Goula)
Wood covers every surface of the interior, as illustrated in this wraparound section. (Drawing: IAAC Students of Master in Ecological Architecture and Advanced Construction)
The previous drawing also illustrates the flexibility of the sleeping platform, which can be used for other activities, such as yoga or, seen here, conversation. (Photo: Adrià Goula)
The workspace features a small window framing a view of the Pyrenees and includes wood shutters for privacy and to prevent light pollution, aligned with the site's astronomical activities. (Photo: Adrià Goula)
The IAAC students crafted the washbasin from a piece of stone they found near the town of Sort. (Photo: Adrià Goula)
This collage illustrates the various aspects of sourcing and constructing the cabin, from the CLT and charred wood to the sheep's wool that was made into blankets, rugs, and pillowcases. (Drawing: IAAC Students of Master in Ecological Architecture and Advanced Construction)
The cabin's faceted form is clearly evident in its floor plan. (Drawing: IAAC Students of Master in Ecological Architecture and Advanced Construction)
Although designed specifically to its sloping site, the cabin is seen as a prototype that can be adapted, replicated, or dismantled as needed. (Drawing: IAAC Students of Master in Ecological Architecture and Advanced Construction)
PROJECT CREDITS:Direction: Vicente Guallart, Daniel Ibañez, Michael Salka
Developed by: The students of the Masters programme in Ecological Architecture and Advanced Construction, 2024/25 class:
- Alexander Bruce Herbig, Ateet Singh, Atticus Cummings, Breno Teixeira Martinelli, Dammes de Zoeten, Georgia Ann Hoyer, Isabel Flores, Jasper Runge, Magdalena Kurdzialek, Nina Poort, Pragyna Madhav Thondapu, Reuben Diamond, Shivani Edukulla, Shanon Shahan, Santosh Shyamsundar, Sipan Celiker Sporidis
Host: Mon Natura Pirineus, Fundació Catalunya la Pedrera
Valldaura Management: Laia Pifarré
Project Coordination: Esin Aydemir
Assisted by: Bruno Ganem, Oliver Needham, Alkis Avarkiotis
Structural assembly: Fustes Sebastia ( Sergi Sebastia, Emma Sebastia Sarroca, Estel Arnal Llunell) y Tallfusta (Ignasi Caus, David Valldeoriola)
Advised by: Miquel Rodriguez, Elena Orte, Guillermo Sevillano , Firas Safieddine, Rian van Dijk
With the support of: Fundació Catalunya-La Pedrera
Volunteers: Andrew Cardona, Grace Yang, Maeve Daley, Sam Hoshin
